1973 - Jul - Research Bulletin Vol.4 No.2

Magazine Overview

This issue of The British U.F.O. Research Association's RESEARCH BULLETIN, Vol. 4, No. 2, dated July 1973, presents a collection of articles and reports focused on UFO phenomena and related scientific inquiries. The publication aims to foster a more rigorous and scientific approach to the study of UFOs, distinguishing genuine mysteries from misidentifications.

From the Director

Anthony R. Pace, the Director, opens the bulletin by addressing the UFO phenomenon as potentially the greatest mystery of our time, possibly representing advanced technologies or a more developed state of life. He emphasizes the need to differentiate between genuine UFO reports and those resulting from misinterpretations of natural phenomena or man-made objects like the Skylab spacecraft. Pace calls for BUFORA to adopt a new approach, focusing on isolating events of 'genuine high strangeness' and moving away from tenuous connections to known phenomena such as Will o' the Wisps or ball lightning.

A Disclaimer

Charles F. Lockwood, Projects Officer, clarifies that his role is not solely a 'nuts and bolts' approach to UFOs, highlighting that modern science itself involves complex concepts. He believes scientists need to assist UFOlogists in explaining UFO capabilities, like changes in size and shape, and instantaneous disappearance. Lockwood stresses the importance of applying scientific methods to identify patterns and potentially predict characteristics of UFO phenomena, even if 'visitors are not making it easy'.

Publications Sub-Committee

This section details the formation of a Publications Sub-Committee tasked with improving the content and quality of future BUFORA publications. Proposals include a larger format for the Journal, the publication of fully investigated UFO reports, more illustrations, and the production of an investigators' handbook. Members are encouraged to send their ideas and proposals to the Editor, Norman Oliver.

Is the Earth being surveyed by UFOs?

This article explores the suggestion that Earth is being surveyed by extraterrestrial visitors, noting that some reported UFO activities resemble those of astronauts. It discusses the importance of studying residual effects to find clues about UFOs. The author suggests examining mineralogy, specifically fluorescence, as a potential tool. Fluorescence, where a substance re-emits light of a longer wavelength when radiated with short-wave light (often ultraviolet), is important for mineral identification and could be relevant to UFO investigations, especially if UFOs use irradiation techniques.

Meteorites

This segment reports on the identification of the oldest meteorite on Earth, parts of the Allende meteorite, dated at 4,600 million years old. Dr. G.J. Wasserburg of the California Institute of Technology analyzed mineral globules within the meteorite, finding them to be older than Earth and the Moon. The analysis involved measuring the relative abundance of strontium isotopes using a mass spectrometer. The origin of meteorites remains a mystery, with theories suggesting they come from comets or the asteroid belt.

BUFORA Projects

This section outlines BUFORA's ongoing projects, including the development of a standard investigation field kit and a study of UFO sightings involving interference with motor vehicles. Approximately 40 members are involved, and questionnaires have been circulated. The standard field kit is expected to be completed by the end of the year and published as part of an investigators' handbook. Readers are asked to consider ways they can assist BUFORA with these projects or initiate their own.

Offer of help from new University UFO Research Society

A letter from The Edinburgh University U.F.O. Research Society, signed by Miss P. Hannaford, President, expresses interest in BUFORA's projects. They discuss the field investigation kit, suggesting a radiation-monitoring device is essential, especially for close encounters or residual traces. They also mention their Biochemistry Department's willingness to help with radiation analysis and their access to computer facilities. The society is also interested in vehicle interference effects.

Possible Meteorite?

A brief report from the Lichfield Mercury details an incident where police are investigating a hole smashed in a hay barn roof, possibly caused by a meteorite. Samples have been sent for forensic analysis.

Radiation Monitoring

This article discusses the potential connection between UFOs and ionizing radiation or radioactive isotopes. It highlights the importance of finding out if this is the case, both for potential dangers and for the scientific information that can be gained. The article outlines the physical and physiological aspects of radiation monitoring, recommending the use of Geiger-Muller counters and dosimeters for field investigations. It also stresses the importance of collecting samples and noting exact measurement locations and times for analysis.

Earthquake Lights

This section explores the phenomenon of luminous lights reported in association with earthquake events. It discusses theories linking these lights to UFOs and the possibility that they are poorly understood natural phenomena related to seismic forces. The article delves into the piezoelectric effect, a proposed mechanism where seismic energy generates atmospheric electrical discharges, particularly in quartz-rich terrain. It notes research measuring rock resistivities in the Los Angeles area, which found them too low to support the theory for the San Fernando earthquake, but acknowledges that other geological conditions might still allow for piezoelectric fields.

UFO Reports from here and there

This section presents several eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings:

• 1943: A report from R.A.F. Ludham, Norfolk, describes a glowing object and persons probing the ground.
• 1967: A witness from Mow Cop recounts seeing a yellow, spinning, disc-shaped object that rose high into the clouds and then shot away.
• 1973: A report from the Rhodesian Herald details a Boeing 737 airliner being followed by an unidentified flying object for 20 minutes.
• 1962: A witness from Dunstable describes a saucer-shaped object illuminated by his car's headlights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the need for rigorous methodology, and the exploration of potential links between UFOs and natural or physical processes. The editorial stance, as expressed by Anthony R. Pace, is a call for a more mature and evidence-based approach to UFO research, moving beyond speculation and towards empirical study. There is a clear emphasis on collaboration between UFOlogists and scientific experts, and on utilizing scientific tools and theories to understand the phenomenon. The issue also highlights BUFORA's efforts to standardize investigation procedures and expand its research capabilities.